A few weeks ago, I experienced it myself: mastitis. And let me tell you - it’s no joke. What started as a slight discomfort quickly turned into a painful, hard lump. Within hours, I had chills, fever, and a body completely out of sync. It took a full week of rest, antibiotics, and patience (a lot!) before I started feeling like myself again.
After nursing three babies, I thought I had dodged the mastitis bullet, but no - turns out, it can happen to anyone. Many breastfeeding women experience it, often when they least expect it. That’s why in this blog, we’ll dive into the key questions: How do you recognize mastitis, what can you do about it, and - more importantly - how can you prevent it?
Mastitis symptoms
Mastitis, also known as a breast infection, can come on suddenly and often makes you feel like you’ve fallen ill overnight. Many women first notice slight sensitivity in their breast, which quickly turns into more pain and swelling. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial:
🔴 A hard, painful lump in your breast
🤒 Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and extreme fatigue
🌡️ Redness and swelling in a specific area
🔥 Warm skin over the inflamed area
⚡ Pain or a burning sensation while breastfeeding or pumping
Mastitis is not something to ignore. The sooner you act, the easier it is to treat!
Mastitis and breastfeeding: how to handle it
Mastitis is often caused by a blocked milk duct, where milk builds up and leads to inflammation. Luckily, there are things you can do to ease discomfort and speed up recovery:
✓ Keep nursing or pumping
It might feel counterintuitive, but emptying the breast often helps clear the blockage. Let your baby nurse on the affected breast or pump regularly (but not more than your usual schedule).
✓ Warm before, cold after
A warm shower or compress before feeding can help improve milk flow. After feeding, a cold compress can reduce swelling.
✓ Rest!
Your body needs energy to heal. Take it easy (seriously!) and drink plenty of water.
✓ Contact a professional
If your symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or worsen, reach out to a doctor or lactation consultant. In some cases, antibiotics are necessary.
How to prevent mastitis
While mastitis isn’t always avoidable, there are ways to reduce the risk. A good latch is essential, as poor positioning can cause milk to build up and lead to blockages. It also helps to switch up your nursing positions, ensuring that all milk ducts are properly drained.
What you wear matters too - a comfortable nursing bra that doesn’t pinch or restrict can support healthy milk flow and prevent unnecessary pressure on your breasts. Lastly, sticking to a regular feeding or pumping schedule is key. While it’s tempting to pump extra to relieve fullness, overpumping can lead to an oversupply, which in turn increases the risk of mastitis.
By paying attention to these small details, you can keep mastitis at bay and make breastfeeding a smoother experience.
Extra tips for mastitis relief
In addition to the basics, here are some surprising remedies that can help:
🥬 Cabbage leaves in your bra - Sounds odd, but chilled cabbage leaves can soothe inflammation and help with swelling (also great for engorgement!).
💊 Ibuprofen or paracetamol - Always good to have on hand. You can alternate them to help relieve pain and inflammation.
🩷 A bra that works with you, not against you - During my mastitis episode, I realized how important a good nursing bra is. Not to preach to the choir, but the Feelou® bra turned out to be a lifesaver:
- The side-opening design meant I didn’t have to pull anything over my sore breast (ouch).
- The adjustable front sliders made room for a compress, heating pad, or even a cabbage leaf (yes, really).
- The super-soft fabric was a relief on my already sensitive skin - because the last thing you want is scratchy material when everything feels tender.
Final thoughts on mastitis
Mastitis is no joke - it can knock you off your feet. But with the right approach, you can get it under control quickly. Listen to your body, give yourself the rest you need, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. And if, like me, you thought mastitis only happened to first-time moms - think again. 😅
Hopefully, this blog helps you navigate mastitis a little easier. 💛